Hello!

If you have yet to read the ABOUT, I suggest you click it now, or you can just continue reading below for a more detailed (but quick - I hope not to bore you) introduction of myself.

I am a cochlear implanted (CI) recipient residing in Singapore, majoring in Business at a university here. As an individual being brought up through mainstream, I must admit that I don't really have much contact with individuals similar to me, save for maybe, three friends?

Other than my occasional encounters with other CI recipients, I observed there is a severe lack of support for young adults or even teens who wear CI or hearing aids (HA). But that's just from my perspective, maybe I am just a speck in the outlying spectrum :")

As we receive more technology support, I'm guessing more of us are starting to take up CIs rather than HAs, but of course that depends on economic factors and the severity of your hearing loss. If you happen to be like how I was before, perhaps you don't feel as connected to the d/Deaf culture because of the lack of social network with others facing the same issue, or the environment that we are brought up in. Perhaps, you may not have seniors or friends who are able to advise us on many "hearing-related" circumstances that we frequently find ourselves in. Don't get me wrong, parents really give good advice.

Nonetheless, I feel that it would be great if this blog (or would you call this a platform?) can provide solace or advice to those who need help, but don't know who to voice it out to. I believe that having someone to relate to is a very reassuring feeling.

And hence, Hear Me Out is born! It's a record of my journey as a CI young adult as I navigate through something bigger than myself, also known as "Life". While you follow me on this journey, I will also share some tips and inspiration as I reflect on my past mistakes, and how I overcome some challenges. It is up to you to take it, mold it to suit your situation so that you can become a better person tomorrow.

As a disclaimer, I'm not a grand person. My opinion and advice could differ from what you think is best for yourself, so read on with a pinch of salt. But I still hope to let you know that whatever you are facing, you are not alone. Don't ever think that hearing loss is a disability. You can do what you want to do, so be courageous for your dreams.

As what my mentor has told me, and something that I have never forgotten, because it has changed my perspective so much; It all depends on your positive mindset and your ability to turn disadvantageous moments into winning moments."

Embrace yourself for who you are, and continue to march on.

xoxo,

Claire

Many footpaths taken. How you want to be better than who you are now depends on you.